The booming dining scene in the historic waterfront city of Alexandria, Virginia flourishes with independent chef-driven culinary concepts and food from every corner of the world. The crave-worthy experience is easy for anyone in search of gluten-free dining options, with plenty of options for a date night, friends night out, family brunch and more. And since we know you don’t want to spend hours combing through menus, we’ve rounded up our favorite gluten-free restaurants in Alexandria. Plus, as a bonus, we included our favorite gluten-free sweets spots since we know no meal is complete without dessert.

Just remember, there’s a scale when it comes to gluten sensitivities, so be sure to call ahead and always let your server know ahead of time so they can work with you to find the best options.

Virtue Feed & Grain

Image Credit: C. Davidson for Visit Alexandria

Virtue Feed & Grain, located near Alexandria’s waterfront in Old Town, is a favorite spot for brunch and cocktails, and they’re also great with gluten sensitivities, particularly in large groups. They feature the “GF” icon next to gluten-free items like the pan-seared salmon and the roasted spiced cauliflower.

Rustico

Image Credit: Alex Kotei for Rustico

Rustico in the Slaters Lane area of North Old Town is one of the best all-around restaurants for gluten-free options in the region. They not only have gluten-free beer and menu items including a custom-made gluten-free chickpea pizza crust, but their staff is also extremely knowledgeable and accommodating.

Don Taco

Image Credit: Don Taco

In the mood for gluten-free tacos or late-night eats? Don Taco is one of the best spots in town, with a “GF” icon next to gluten-free tacos and small plates. Plus, most items can be customized to work with your sensitivities so you’ll never leave hungry.

Chart House

Image Credit: Chart House

Chart House not only offers stunning panoramic views of the Potomac River waterfront, but also has a designated gluten-free menu that makes it easy to enjoy Chart House classics worry-free. The gluten-free menu includes fresh seafood like the shrimp, crab, avocado and mango stack or the bronzed mahi mahi.

BonVivant Café + Farm Market

Image Credit: M. Enriquez for Visit Alexandria

BonVivant Café + Farm Market is a go-to for gluten-free options in Alexandria’s Del Ray neighborhood. Almost the entire menu is gluten-free including sandwiches, which can be served on gluten-free bread, breakfast quiches made with gluten-free almond flour, smoothies and more. Just look for the “GF” icon on their menu or ask for more details.

Sonoma Cellar

Image Credit: Sonoma Cellar

Sonoma Cellar is a cozy spot to grab a glass of wine, sit in the backyard wine garden around a fire pit and enjoy special events like tastings, Tuesday cigar nights, and live music. They’re a wonderful option for gluten-free menus (including the wine) with a “GF” icon next to gluten-free items like lentil-cumin chili, sauteed shrimp with spaghetti zucchini and yellow squash.

Bastille

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Bastille, located in Alexandria’s Braddock/Parker-Gray neighborhood, serves up classic French fare with creative twists, and is a great option for anyone with gluten sensitivities. Their menu includes a “GF” icon for gluten-free items and it seems to pop up next to almost every dish, giving you plenty of options. The falafel and falafel burgers are a local favorite, and you definitely don’t want to miss the dessert menu.

Lost Dog Café

Image Credit: S. Stanton for Visit Alexandria

If you’re looking for lots of gluten-free options, Lost Dog Café is the place to go, with a separate gluten-free menu that’s five pages long filled with delicious pizzas, sandwiches, appetizers and more made with gluten-free crust and bread options.

Sweet Fire Donna’s

Image Credit: S. Stanton for Visit Alexandria

Sweet Fire Donna’s has some of the best BBQ in town, and all of their meats are gluten-free. They also use a “GF” icon next to side dishes, salads and other items that are gluten-free, making it a great spot for folks with gluten sensitivities.

King Street Blues

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King Street Blues in Old Town serves hit-the-spot comfort food and is a great choice for late-night eats and live music. They also have a separate gluten-free menu that makes it easy to order and enjoy your meal.

Lena’s Wood Fire Pizza + Tap

Image Credit: M. Enriquez for Visit Alexandria

Lena’s Wood Fire Pizza + Tap in Alexandria’s Braddock neighborhood offers gluten-free crusts for their wood-fired pizza and includes a “GF” icon next to gluten-free options. It’s a fun spot for outdoor dining near the fire pit or catching the big game at the bar inside.

Fontaine Caffe & Crêperie

Image Credit: Fontaine

Fontaine Caffe and Crêperie feels like you’re in a European café in Old Town, with savory crêpes from regions like Paris, Morocco, Tuscany, California, Italy, and Norway. Sweet crêpes with Nutella, wild berry, lemon drop, peach and more are mouthwatering good. The savory crêpes are all made with gluten-free buckwheat flour, and the sweet crêpes can be made gluten-free as well.

Theismann’s Restaurant & Bar

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Theismann’s on Upper King Street has three distinct gluten-free menus for brunch, lunch and dinner, making it a fantastic and convenient place for anyone with gluten sensitivities. Their classics, including the burgers, sandwiches and steaks are all gluten-free or can be modified.

Gluten-Free Sweets

Image Credit: K. Summerer for Visit Alexandria

Happy Tart

The Happy Tart in Del Ray believes that gluten-free and delicious belong in the same category, and we have to agree. At Happy Tart, all of their offerings are made from scratch in a gluten-free kitchen with classic French sweet treats like pastries, breads, cakes, cookies, and tarts.

Buzz Bakeshop

Buzz Bakeshop not only has some of the best cupcakes and sweet treats in the D.C. region, but they also make mouthwatering gluten-free muffins, cookies, cupcakes and more.

Dairy Godmother

Dairy Godmother is already a can’t-miss sweets spot in Alexandria’s Del Ray neighborhood, and they also offer gluten-free cones and most of their custard is gluten-free, but be sure to ask about special flavors.

Alexandria Cupcake

In the heart of Old Town, Alexandria Cupcake bakes fresh cupcakes from scratch daily, with premium ingredients and gluten-free offerings with regular special flavors.

Lavender Moon Cupcakery

Lavender Moon Cupcakery in Old Town is another sweets spot that has gluten-free options. You can call ahead to ask about specific flavors for the day, but they rotate flavors for their fresh-baked cupcakes in a variety of gluten-free options so you can rely on your favorites and still try something new.